Rakeem Malik

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Independent investigation into
the death of Mr Rakeem Malik,
a prisoner at HMP Long Lartin,
on 20 May 2024
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Third Floor, 10 South Colonnade Email: mail@ppo.gov.uk T l 020 7633 4100
Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Web: www.ppo.gov.uk
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OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
© Crown copyright, 2024
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1. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman aims to make a significant contribution to
safer, fairer custody and community supervision. One of the most important ways in
which we work towards that aim is by carrying out independent investigations into
deaths, due to any cause, of prisoners, young people in detention, residents of
approved premises and detainees in immigration centres.
2. If my office is to best assist His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in
ensuring the standard of care received by those within service remit is appropriate,
our recommendations should be focused, evidenced and viable. This is especially
the case if there is evidence of systemic failure.
3. On 7 April 1999, Mr Rakeem Malik was convicted of attempted murder and
sentenced to life in prison.
4. Mr Malik died of diabetic ketoacidosis and chronic kidney disease while a prisoner
at HMP Long Lartin. He was 56 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Malik’s
family and friends.
5. The Ombudsman’s office contacted Mr Malik’s next of kin to explain the
investigation and to ask if he had any matters he wanted us to consider. He did not
respond.
6. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr Malik’s
clinical care at Long Lartin.
7. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Malik received at HMP
Long Lartin was of a reasonable standard and at least equivalent to what he could
have expected to receive in the community. Mr Malik had poor compliance with his
prescribed medication, which contributed to the poor control of his diabetes and
kidney function. Healthcare staff followed up his non-attendance for medication,
ensured they discussed the risks to his health and documented the reasons for his
refusal. The clinical reviewer made recommendations relating to other aspects of Mr
Malik’s care which the Head of Healthcare will need to address.
8. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Malik’s care.
Governor to note
9. The investigator reviewed the escort risk assessment for 15 May 2024 and noted it
was not clear on the cuffing arrangements when Mr Malik was escorted to the
hospital. The prison has since reviewed the risk assessment and agreed it was not
clear regarding the use of handcuffs. The prison said that they would review and
rewrite the instructions for staff. The Governor will wish to assure themselves that
this action is taken and that risk assessments are clear.
10. The initial report was shared with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
HMPPS did not find any factual inaccuracies.
11. At the inquest held on 5 December 2024 the coroner concluded Mr Malik died of
natural causes.
Adrian Usher November 2024
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman 1
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Third Floor, 10 South Colonnade Email: mail@ppo.gov.uk T l 020 7633 4100
Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Web: www.ppo.gov.uk
OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE